The e-commerce industry has seen a dramatic shift in recent years toward more rapid customer deliveries. Amazon took the lead early on with 2-day shipping for Prime members, and the COVID-19 pandemic only accelerated demand for home delivery services. For third-party logistics providers (3PLs), this has presented some unique challenges for fulfillment and tracking. Many …

6 Last Mile Tracking Trends Impacting the Fleet Management Industry Read More

There is no question that fleet telematics has become one of the most valuable assets for improving the efficiency of logistics operations. The typical fleet may involve dozens, hundreds, or even thousands of vehicles that may be on the road at any given time. Telematics combines telecommunications with informatics to give fleet managers a complete …

What is Telematics and Why is it Important? Read More

The ELD (electronic logging device) mandate is a requirement issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) as an amendment to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs). All commercial vehicles meeting certain requirements are now required to comply with the ELD mandate as of December 2019. According to the FMCSA, “The ELD Rule …

What Information Do You Need on ELDs? Read More

The American trucking industry, and the larger transportation sector, are the biggest contributors to carbon emissions in the United States. Almost $105 billion is spent on diesel fuel each year for the trucking industry, and while there have been many efforts to curb usage, the demand is still high. Even with the dramatic social and …

Guide to Alternative Fuel Sources and Technologies for the Trucking Industry Read More

According to the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI), nearly half of all fleets in the U.S. trucking industry (49%) have over 100 power units in operation. When also considering regional businesses with large fleets of small delivery and service trucks, we quickly end up with thousands of operators that have an extensive network of assets …

50 Best GPS Devices for Trucking Companies Read More

Overweight or overloaded trailers are a big problem on roads worldwide. Vehicles hauling too-heavy or improperly-loaded trailers are at a greater risk for loss of control down inclines, delayed braking issues, and tipping due to uneven weight. Fortunately, there exist strict mandates in the United States, (thanks to the guidelines laid out by the FMCSA) …

Trailer GVWR vs. GAWR: What’s the Difference? Read More

Ever since the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) first formed in 1970, there has been an onslaught of rules and regulations that fleet managers, operators, and truck makers alike have been made to follow. While these regulations vary greatly, both in terms of seriousness and complexity, the two that are most often confused are none other …

GVWR vs. GCWR: What’s the Difference for Truck Makers? Read More

Did you know that in 2015 alone, the U.S. trucking industry consumed a staggering amount of oil – 54 billion gallons to be exact? It’s a startling figure that elicits even more pause when you stop to think that, according to a study conducted by the American Transportation Research Institute and the University of Michigan Transportation Institute, experts …

What’s the Future of Electric Vehicles in Trucking? Read More

The fabrication of semi-trailers is an ever-evolving blend of skill, technology, and know-how. These steel chassis carry the largest cargo loads on roads and highways and current federal regulations for 49 CFR 393.201 apply to the frame of the tractor vehicle itself and not the semi-trailer. Manufacturers must ensure that their trailers are constructed safely …

Welding Joint Efficiency Tips for Trailer Builders (with Formula) Read More

We once lived in a world in which a light-weight aluminum trailer meant a “high tech” trailer, but these days, trailer manufacturers are upping the ante by infusing the latest technologies to bolster trailer performance and safety. Some of these technologies are now being slowly integrated into fleets the world over, while others are simply …

4 Emerging Trends in Trailering You Should Know Read More

For retail and distribution operations the world over, it is the trusty tractor trailer that acts as one of the most helpful, heavy-duty, and pricey investments in the fleet. So, it’s no surprise that building a new one, whether it be from scratch or through means of customization, can be a tricky process, especially when …

How to Select the Best Materials to Build Tractor Trailers Read More

When then-President Barack Obama adopted the 2014 Climate Action Plan, his administration decided to shine a light on one, very important reality – that roughly 20% of greenhouse gas emissions and oil used in the transportation agency are caused by heavy-duty vehicles. It’s a staggering figure, and one that, naturally, became a central focus of …

GHG Phase 2 Rule for Trailer Manufacturers: What You Need to Know Read More

Building a trailer that is safe, complies with stringent government regulations, and comes at a competitive price point is important, but one design factor that should never be overlooked is a streamlined body. It can be a trying feat, but achieving such a sleek structure generates plenty of more pros than cons – especially when it …

5 Tips to Build a More Aerodynamic Trailer Read More

Truck trailer manufacturers provide an incredible service to the economy, building and, in some cases, maintaining the fleets of some of the most powerful companies in the world. Without these rigs, the way we exchange and transport goods and services would look very different, and would likely be much less efficient. That said, large trucks …

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) Guide for Truck Trailer Manufacturers Read More

When it comes to trailer manufacturing, one of the most important things to consider is material, particularly the type of metal from which the container is fashioned. If you simply dip a toe into the subject, you’ll see that there are really only two viable options when it comes to selecting material – it’s either …

Aluminum vs Steel: Which Material is Better for Building Trailers Read More